Safety magazine for firearms

ABSTRACT

A safety magazine is compatible with a firearm that has a magazine housing. The safety magazine comprises a top cover that has a shape compatible with the magazine housing, a bottom cover that covers a locking mechanism, and a top locking element that at least partially accommodates inside the top cover. The locking element is configured to allow locking the safety magazine to the magazine housing. A method for locking a magazine to a firearm and preventing accidental discharge is disclosed. The firearm has a magazine housing. The method comprising providing a top cover, that has a shape compatible with the magazine housing, providing a bottom cover, covering a locking mechanism, providing a top locking element, and inserting the top cover into the magazine housing, wherein the locking element is configured to allow locking the safety magazine to the magazine housing

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to firearms. More particularly, the present invention relates to a safety magazine for various firearms.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In recent years, there has been an increase in the number of accidental, negligent or unauthorized discharge from various firearms, and particularly handguns. Such incidents typically occur when the trigger of the firearm is deliberately pulled for a purpose other than shooting, such as dry-fire practice, demonstration or function testing, but the ammunition is unintentionally left in the chamber. Unintentionally leaving a firearm loaded is more likely to occur when the individual handling the gun is poorly trained, and perhaps also with removable-magazine-fed firearms (as the magazine may be removed, giving an unloaded appearance even when a round remains chambered). Since most handguns are designed such that the magazine constantly remains inside, thus keeping the handgun constantly loaded, such accidental or otherwise undesired or unauthorized discharge is more likely to occur.

A second common cause of negligent discharges is placement by the gun-handler of his/her finger on the trigger before deciding to shoot With the finger so positioned, many activities may cause the finger to compress the trigger unintentionally. For example, if one attempts to holster the firearm with finger on trigger, the holster edge might drive the finger onto the trigger, and discharge is likely.

Accidental discharges not involving a trigger-pull can also occur if the firearm is mechanically unsound: due to poor maintenance, abuse or the use of defective ammunition in the gun, may all lead to breakage.

Furthermore, recently there has been a sharp increase in misuse of firearms with unauthorized users firing (for fun or by accident), and particularly youngsters using their parents' firearms. Such incidents cause many injuries (and sometimes fatalities) since there are no means to prevent other people from using a gun of an authorized user.

It would, therefore, be advantageous to provide safety means for firearms so as to prevent unintentional and/or unauthorized firing

An object of the present invention is to provide a safety magazine for a firearm.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a method for blocking a firearm and preventing accidental discharge.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

There is thus provided, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a safety magazine compatible with a firearm having a magazine housing, the safety magazine comprising a top cover, having a shape compatible with the magazine housing; a bottom cover, covering a locking mechanism; and a top locking element, at least partially accommodated inside the top cover, wherein the locking element is configured to allow locking the safety magazine to the magazine housing.

Furthermore, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the top cover comprises a top portion that is configured to couple with the magazine housing.

Furthermore, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the magazine further comprises a dedicated space for accommodation of bullets.

Furthermore, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the magazine further comprises a control element configured to allow switching between locked and unlocked modes by a user.

Furthermore, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the control element comprises at least one biometric identification unit.

Furthermore, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the magazine further comprises a mechanical identification override device.

Furthermore, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the magazine further comprises a bottom locking element.

Furthermore, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the top cover further comprises an opening corresponding in size to the locking element so as to allow the locking element to pass through the opening and engage the magazine housing.

Furthermore, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the top cover engages the magazine cover so as to block the operation of the firearm.

Furthermore, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the magazine further comprises a power storage unit.

Furthermore, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the power storage unit is connected to the bottom cover.

Furthermore, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the locking mechanism comprises a cam.

Furthermore, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the cam comprises a tooth that is configured to engage the top locking element.

Furthermore, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the magazine further comprises a communication unit capable of receiving wireless data, and wherein the operation of the locking mechanism corresponds to the received data.

Furthermore, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a method for locking a magazine to a firearm is provided, the firearm having a magazine housing, and the method comprising providing a top cover, having a shape compatible with the magazine housing; providing a bottom cover, covering a locking mechanism; providing a top locking element, at least partially accommodated inside the top cover; and inserting the top cover into the magazine housing, wherein the locking element is configured to allow locking the safety magazine to the magazine housing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The subject matter regarded as the invention is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the specification. The invention, however, both as to organization and method of operation, together with objects, features, and advantages thereof, may best be understood by reference to the following detailed description when read with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1A illustrates a frontal perspective view of a safety magazine, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 1B illustrates a back perspective view of the safety magazine, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 1C illustrates a back perspective view of a top cover of the safety magazine, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 1D illustrates a cross-sectional view of the safety magazine, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2A illustrate a frontal perspective view of the safety magazine with the top cover removed, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2B illustrate a back perspective view of the safety magazine with the top cover removed, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3A illustrates a back perspective view of the safety magazine with the first internal cover removed, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3B illustrates a frontal perspective view of the safety magazine with the second internal cover also removed, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4A illustrates an exploded view of elements of the safety mechanism of the safety magazine, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4B illustrates a perspective view of a cogwheel with a cam, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5A illustrates a perspective view of the safety magazine inserted into a compatible firearm, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5B illustrates a cross-sectional view of the safety magazine inserted into the firearm, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

It will be appreciated that for simplicity and clarity of illustration, elements shown in the figures have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements may be exaggerated relative to other elements for clarity. Further, where considered appropriate, reference numerals may be repeated among the figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

Reference is now made to FIGS. 1A-1B, which illustrate a safety magazine, generally designated 10, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1A illustrates a frontal perspective view of a safety magazine 10, and FIG. 1B illustrates a back perspective view of the safety magazine 10.

The safety magazine 10 comprises a top cover 11 having a structure compatible with commercially available magazines for firearms, for instance having a shape corresponding to and adapted to be inserted into a magazine housing of, for example, a Beretta 6-bullet handgun. The safety magazine 10 further comprises a bottom cover 12 that at least partially covers the safety mechanism, further described hereinafter. Optionally, the top cover 11 has a top portion 15 that is configured to couple with the magazine housing in a compatible firearm. It is appreciated that a top locking element (or latch) 33 is designed to be capable of protruding from an opening 13 in the top cover 11, whereby the operation of the top locking element 33 is configured to allow locking the safety magazine 10 to the magazine housing when locking element 33 protrudes from the magazine 10, further described herein after.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 1C-1D, which illustrate a back perspective view of top cover 11 of the safety magazine 10 and a cross-sectional view of the safety magazine 10 (respectively), according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. It should be noted that the shape and dimensions of the top cover 11 correspond to the shape and dimensions of a regular magazine (respectively), such that only with the bottom elements the difference from the commercially available magazines may be seen.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 2A-2B, which illustrate frontal and back perspective views (respectively) of the safety magazine with the top cover 11 removed, generally designated 20, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. With the top cover 11 removed, the safety magazine 20 may further comprise a first and second corresponding internal covers 21 a, 21 b that are configured to protect the mechanical elements (for the safety mechanism) within, while having a dedicated space 22 for accommodation of bullets in the magazine. Thus, the safety magazine 20 may simultaneously provide standard operation of a magazine and also provide the safety mechanism, further described hereinafter. When the safety magazine 20 is enabled (i.e. in an unlocked mode), the firearm may be immediately operated.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 3A-3B, which illustrate the safety mechanism with the top cover 11 removed, generally designated 30, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3A illustrates a back perspective view of the safety magazine with the first internal cover 21 a removed, and FIG. 3B illustrates a frontal perspective view of the safety magazine with the second internal cover 21 b also removed.

The safety mechanism may include a power storage unit (e.g., a battery) 31, a top locking element (or latch) 33 capable of locking onto the magazine housing once coupled, and a cam 32. The power storage (e.g., a battery) 31 is configured to provide power for the safety mechanism, so as to allow operation of the mechanical elements. Optionally, the power storage 31 may be further connected to a safety control element 35 that is embedded into the bottom cover 12, so as to provide power to the control element 35. Thus, the user may use the control element 35 in order to control the safety magazine. For example, the user may switch between locked and unlocked modes (e.g., by pressing a button) of the safety magazine 10, using the control element 35. According to some embodiments, control element 35 may be configured to enable operation of the safety magazine only by authorized user(s). For example, control element may comprise identity (ID) recognition unit, e.g., ginger print reader (not shown), and storage of ID data (not shown) for storing ID data of authorized users.

The cam 32 is a rotatable piece (typically in a mechanical linkage) which is adapted to convert a rotary movement into a reciprocating movement It may be a part of a rotating wheel (e.g., a simple tooth) or a shaft that strikes a lever (making contact with the cam) or a follower at one or more points on its circular path. The cam 32 is rotatable about an axis coinciding with the center of a wheel, further described hereinafter.

It is appreciated that the bottom portion 36 of the top locking element 33 is adjacent to the cam 32 and acts as a lever once the cam 32 contacts the bottom portion 36 during rotation. Therefore, when a locked mode is selected for the safety magazine cam 32 may rotate (with electrical power from the power storage 31), and thus contact the bottom portion 36 such that the top locking element 33 protrudes from the safety magazine cover 11 and thereby engages the magazine housing of the firearm and locks thereon

In order to unlock the locked magazine, the user may choose an unlocked mode (e.g., using the control element 35) and thus move the cam 32 so as to retract the top locking element 33 into the magazine housing. It is appreciated that other elements may also be involved in the locking mechanism. For example, a positioning rod 37 may keep the top locking element 33 on track while moving between the two states: inner state in unlocked mode and an outer state when the top locking element 33 protrudes from the magazine and engages the magazine housing

In some embodiments, the safety magazine further comprises a pivoted lever 38 that may be configured to sense whether the safety magazine is inserted into the magazine housing, wherein the pivoted lever 38 may provide indication whether the magazine has been inserted into the magazine housing. For example, pivoted lever 38 may press (or release) a micro switch as the sensing means during engagement with the magazine housing. Accordingly, pivoted lever 38 enables (or disables) the controlled features of the control element 35 once the safety magazine is inserted into (or removed from) the magazine housing.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 4A-4B, which illustrate the cam 32, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4A illustrates an exploded partial view of the mechanism of the safety magazine with the cam 32 at the center, and FIG. 4B illustrates a perspective view of the cam 32.

The cam 32 is mechanically engaged and positioned coaxially with cam wheel 41, and may further have a cam tooth 42 that is configured to engage the bottom portion 36 (for instance as shown in FIG. 3B) of locking element 33. By rotation of the cam 32, the tooth 42 engages locking element 33, such that the rotational movement of wheel 41 is converted into reciprocating movement, for example of locking element 33.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 5A-5B, which illustrate the safety magazine 10 inserted into a compatible firearm, generally designated 50, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5A illustrates a perspective view of the safety magazine 10 inserted into a compatible firearm 50, and FIG. 5B illustrates a cross-sectional view of the same.

It should be noted that the safety magazine 10 may be operated both as a regular magazine, storing bullets at the dedicated space 22, such that the firearm 50 can be used in the regular fashion, as well as be operated as a safety magazine that prevents unwanted (or unauthorized) use of the firearm 50, when in Locked mode.

In some embodiments, the safety magazine 10 is provided in a locked state (e.g. initially locked by the user) such that, once the safety magazine 10 is inserted into the firearm 50, the safety magazine 10 is locked to the magazine housing (inside the firearm 50) until an authorized user with a dedicated key removes the lock. For example, the user may use a physical key (such as an electronic chip configured for the particular user) in order to unlock the safety magazine 10.

In some embodiments, the safety magazine 10 is provided with a physical barrier at the top portion 15 (for instance as shown in FIGS. 1A-1B) that may block or otherwise prevent operation of the firearm even if a bullet is positioned near the barrel, thereby providing safety.

In some embodiments, the safety magazine 10 may be provided with a biometric identification unit embedded into the bottom cover such that the safety magazine 10 may be setup to identify a predetermined list of authorized users, and thereby preventing unauthorized users from using the firearm. Optionally, the safety magazine 10 is also provided with a mechanical override (e.g., a physical key) to override the biometric ID unit when faulty or when the power storage runs out.

In some embodiments, the locking mechanism may further comprise a communication unit capable of receiving wireless data (e.g., via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS, or cellular networks). The communication unit may therefore allow a user to set conditions for the safety magazine to become unlocked. For example, once the safety magazine detects data that it is inside an authorized area (for instance from GPS data), then the locking is removed and the firearm may be used.

Alternatively, a dedicated signal may be wirelessly received by the safety magazine such that a user may select that in a particular time the locking is removed, no matter who operates the firearm. For example, a training officer at the police academy may wirelessly remove the locking from multiple firearms that are scheduled for practice.

It will be appreciated that the present invention is not limited by what has been described hereinabove and that numerous modifications, all of which fall within the scope of the present invention, exist For example, while the present invention has been described with respect to aircrafts and helicopters, the same may apply to other vehicles experiencing the dynamic rollover phenomenon.

It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited by what has been particularly shown and described herein above. Rather the scope of the invention is defined by the claims which follow: 

1. A safety magazine compatible with a firearm having a magazine housing, the safety magazine comprising: a top cover, having a shape compatible with the magazine housing; a bottom cover, covering a locking mechanism; and a top locking element, at least partially accommodated inside the top cover, wherein the locking element is configured to protrude from an opening in the magazine and engage the magazine housing, to allow locking the safety magazine to the magazine housing and to provide a physical barrier that blocks the operation of the firearm, when the safety magazine is in a locked mode.
 2. The safety magazine according to claim 1, wherein the top cover comprises a top portion that is configured to couple with the magazine housing.
 3. The safety magazine according to claim 1, further comprising a dedicated space for accommodation of bullets.
 4. The safety magazine according to claim 1, further comprising a control element configured to allow switching between locked and unlocked modes by a user.
 5. The safety magazine according to claim 4, wherein the control element comprises at least one biometric identification unit.
 6. The safety magazine according to claim 5, further comprising a mechanical identification override device.
 7. The safety magazine according to claim 4, further comprising an indicator to indicate if the safety magazine is inserted into the magazine housing, said indicator is configured to disable the operation of the control element when said safety magazine is not inserted into said magazine housing.
 8. (canceled)
 9. (canceled).
 10. The safety magazine according to claim 1, further comprising a power storage unit.
 11. The safety magazine according to claim 10, wherein the power storage unit is connected to the bottom cover.
 12. The safety magazine according to claim 1, wherein the locking mechanism comprises a cam.
 13. The safety magazine according to claim 12, wherein the cam comprises a tooth that is configured to engage the top locking element.
 14. The safety magazine according to claim 1, further comprising a communication unit capable of receiving wireless data, and wherein the operation of the locking mechanism corresponds to the received data.
 15. A method for locking a magazine to a firearm and preventing accidental discharge, the firearm having a magazine housing, and the method comprising: providing a top cover of the magazine, having a shape compatible with the magazine housing; providing a bottom cover of the magazine, covering a locking mechanism; providing a top locking element of the magazine, at least partially accommodated inside the top cover; and inserting the top cover of the magazine into the magazine housing, wherein the locking element is configured to protrude from an opening in the magazine and engage the magazine housing, to allow locking the safety magazine to the magazine housing and to provide a physical barrier that blocks the operation of the firearm, when the safety magazine is in a locked mode. 